The novel follows a group of people who are trapped on a spaceship that has been hijacked by an alien entity. The entity forces the crew to participate in a series of gruesome and sadistic games, which are broadcast back to Earth for the entertainment of the alien's masters. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the entity is not just a mindless killer, but rather a complex and calculating being with its own motivations and desires. The novel explores themes of free will, morality, and the nature of evil. The crew members are forced to confront their own dark impulses and the true extent of their own depravity as they participate in the games. Meanwhile, back on Earth, the audience is drawn into a world of voyeuristic horror, where people are willing to pay to watch the suffering of others. Throughout the novel, Lafferty's unique blend of science fiction and horror creates a sense of unease and discomfort, challenging the reader to confront the darker aspects of human nature.
By R. A. Lafferty · First published 1975 · Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Humor